Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What kind of health risk is associated with vector-borne diseases?

1. High risk from direct contact with infected individuals

2. Risk mainly through consumption of contaminated food

3. Risk due to mosquito or tick bites

4. Risk from contaminated water supplies

The correct answer is: Risk due to mosquito or tick bites

Vector-borne diseases are primarily transmitted through the bites of infected vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks. These vectors act as intermediaries that carry pathogens from one host to another, enabling diseases to spread without direct contact with infected individuals. For example, diseases like malaria and dengue fever are spread through mosquito bites, while Lyme disease is transmitted via tick bites. This form of disease transmission highlights the importance of vector control and public health interventions to reduce exposure to these insects, which is crucial for preventing outbreaks of diseases that can have significant public health implications. Understanding this risk emphasizes the need for awareness and protective measures against vector exposure in both urban and rural settings.